When I saw that there was a farting baby doll, I could guess what was coming next: a bunch of humorless pearl clutchers ragging on about how this represents the downfall of society and more. And of course, it happened. In the commentary on various sites that mention Kong Suni, the doll with a flatulence problem, there are protests from parents who think it's gross, who think it's a "bad influence" on children.

It's true, the doll that lets a loud flarp from her behind when you press her tummy is gross. But the last time I checked, so are most kids.

With a 7-year-old in my house, we are in the thick of the bathroom humor stage. The babysitter has taught her that when anyone farts, you are to throw your hand up to form an "L" with the tip of the thumb touching your forehead. The last person to touch finger to forehead is the one who "ate" the fart. Needless to say this is one of her favorite games.

The discussion of all things bathroom goes beyond the house too. At a recent pool party for a fellow 7-year-old, there were discussions about whether one little fellow peed in the pool. All agreed that would be disgusting, but it was with the sort of smirks that left you leery of slipping on your suit and testing the waters.

I'm not saying we don't discourage some of this behavior. Every parent treasures the day when their kid finally realizes it is not necessary to make loud announcements from the bathroom updating the folks on the outside on what is going on on the toilet!

But farts happen. To all of us! Letting them laugh about their bodily functions doesn't mean they can't be taught to save the gas passing for the bathroom. It just means letting them have a little fun while they're still kids. Trust me. I actually let my daughter keep a farting elephant toy sent my way by a PR firm a few years ago, and we've STILL managed to teach her to fart in private.